Monday, August 27, 2007

With old technology (read-film in camera), it takes a bit longer to enjoy one's pictures. Here are some "recent" birthday pictures.

Of course Carly in the wonderful hat her big brother so lovingling made for her. The picture with her smiling so large and holding up her 5 fingers is my favourite! Look at the expression on her dear little face!

Cameron jumped into his daddy's arms when he came into the room wearing his matching shirt. I was so happy to capture the happy moment as it happened. It looks like they are joined at the hip.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Ask Carly what her favourite colour is and she always answers "PURPLE!" I guess then it was only fitting when it came time to sew up her Kindergarten bag that the answer would be the same, "purple, I only like purple." That certainly made the trip to the fabric store easier.

Well little doll, I hope you like it. More than that though Carly, Nanny and Pappa wish you well as you enter the public school system. We have so many hopes and dreams for you little one. I wonder what you will do when you enter a career? The sky's the limit you tender, gentle, loving little girl. We love you very much.

Carly age 3, and Carly age 4. She's getting ready to celebrate 5 on Sunday!

This beautiful picture was taken at our surprise Anniversary Party. Isn't she a picture in purple? We sure think so.

Saturday, August 11, 2007

"When I woke up this mornin' you were on my mind" to quote the words of a song and the title thereof of which I can't remember, naturally. But I do remember that it is my dear sister's birthday today.

Look at these two cuties, probably at Stanley Park. Just Maddie and me hugging a tree. Don't you love the head wear? My huge hat and Maddie's big bow. Say, I seem to remember you wearing that outfit Maddie! Our dear mom made it and no doubt the cute little dress she's wearing too.

I hope dear sister that you have a wonderful day and that your brand new year will be filled with much laughter, love and joy! I can't think of anyone more deserving of that coming true. Happy Birthday Maddie!

Note:

(I don't know how it is on your computer when you open this blog, but on mine, just the top portion of the picture appears. I even went back in, deleted it and reinstalled it. I have to click on the spot where the picture is supposed to be and it opens up to a new screen. Frustrating!)

Thursday, August 09, 2007

This past week I have had the honour and priviledge of "interviewing" both of my Mothers. My reason for doing this was two-fold, one I have a very bad memory. Two, when the good Lord decides it's their time, I want to do honour to their memory.

These two vibrant, brilliant and healthy women are this family's living legacy. When our Fathers passed away it was left to "mom" to fill in all of the blanks in our dad's lives. When did this happen? What year did we do such and such? The big question for me and my beloved was: who would we go to when their time came? Both of our moms are the last living adults in their family. We decided the best and most accurate way would be to ask them. So ask them I did.

Both told me stories about their lives that I'd never heard, it was interesting, it was intimate, it evoked so many memories. It was humbling, funny, sad and wonderful all at the same time.

I ended each interview asking: How would you like to be remembered? I won't tell how each responded, but I will say that my mom and my beloved's mom humbled me to my knees with the simplicity of their answers but with understatements that make a girl want to weep.

My darling mothers you are our blessings. We thank you for your love. We thank you for being the strong, wonderful women who raised us. We love you very much.

Monday, August 06, 2007

When you look at these pictures, it may look to some like any ordinary building, a church, what of it? But to me this building spells home. My beloved and I attended this church for 13 years, and what years they were. My beloved was Baptised as an adult, as were two of our daughters, two daughters were married here and four out of five of Cathy and Cliff's babies were Baptised here as well. This wonderful building was my "job site" for twelve years. It was and is a place of great memories and wonderful people. When we moved from Richmond after a year of foot draging (on my part especially), we transferred our membership to Trinity Lutheran in Delta. Oh the longing to return was hard.

Yesterday we returned "home" for a visit. As soon as we pulled into the driveway, people began waving, and before we even got out of the car an old friend came to greet us, and as soon as we stepped in the door the hugs and laughter began. It felt so good to be home. Seeing the faces of dear friends, catching up on their news, a new baby with my daughter Amy's first name was born to Barb's daughter in Australia, my friend Marion is expecting her second grandchild, our dear friend Rose told me she couldn't e-mail me because her computer is on the fritz, hearing that Carrie was getting married at 5:00 that very afternoon at the Church, Congratulations Carrie!, seeing Mary and John, Shirley and Carolyn (the ultimate webmaster at Our Saviour), Christiane, Jim, James, Cora Lee, Jon and Marit, Svanhild, Ermida, Tanya and her growing boys, Til and Virgie, hearing Bev play the organ again,Verna recovering from a broken limb, Edita and Frances, Deo and Dale and their adorable sons, Don, Rosewitha, Brenda an acknowledged lurker of my blog (hi Brenda), Pat and Ed, Vida and Kristen back from "seminary" sitting with their loved ones, Al and Ralph and Marilyn, either Jeremy or Shawn (sorry guys-you're getting too old!), Marg, Inez, Colleen and Harry and Grace and George, Lila and Pat and Shirley, Tussy and Anke, Gary without Sylvia, but missing her and thinking and praying about her. So many more that I haven't named here, and missing those that were away on holidays, I mean it is Summer after all. Of course I have to mention Pastor Tim and his meaningful Homily, his hugs and humour. And who said you can't go home again?

If you don't have a church home, my recommendation is that you find one. Become a part of what is great and good in our churches. You will find much to do, and volunteer for, you will create lasting friendships and find new meaning in your life and if you are lucky enough to get a good preacher, you will hear a homily that will stay with you all week long. Get ye to a church!

Want to find out more about Our Saviour Lutheran, Richmond, a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada? Go to their website and look around:

About Me

Married for 45 years to my high school sweetheart. My beloved and I have 11 Grandchildren, 3 boys and 8 girls. I love to sing them crazy songs and make up silly words as I go along but don't tell them it's because I can't remember the real words! We have three beautiful daughters and three handsome sons through choice. We are well and truly blessed.